How to Buy a Real German Driving License
Some lucky American expats can go to their Fuhrerscheinstelle at their local location with their US driver's license and obtain a German driving license without having to pass the practical and written tests.
However, requirements vary from office to office (and city to city) and can be quite strict. Here's the info you need.
Legality
A valid German license is proof of your training and skills. This is a great asset to have in case of a job interview, or when traveling in Europe. However, it's expensive. The total cost could be in the thousands of Euros, based on the type of license you want and the duration. The tuition cost could include as well as the cost of materials, driving lessons, and costs related to exams and authorities. Driving schools typically have their own costs that can differ from school to school.
There are many ways to obtain a valid German driver's license. The most popular way is to buy a driver's license from an online private company or at a driving academy. Prices vary however, the majority of them offer a package which includes both a license as well as training. These packages are available to motorists on cars and motorcycles. You can select a package based on your needs and budget.
Non-EU residents are also able to exchange their licenses to German ones without having to take the theory or practical tests. The rules differ depending on where you're from and the extent to which Germany has reciprocity in full or only with your country. Certain countries, like Australia and the US, have full reciprocity with Germany. Certain countries, such as Canada and certain American states, only have partial reciprocity.
For EU members the license you have in your country of origin is valid in Germany until it expires. After six months, you will need to change your license to one that is a German one in order to continue driving legally. You must also be able to register your license with the local authorities.
The normal permit for regular vehicles, like vans and cars, lasts 15 years. To renew it, you have to visit your local authority (Fuhrerscheinbehorde) and submit a written statement or theft report and a passport photo. The process could take a few weeks.
There are also permits for certain vehicles, like taxis and fire brigade vehicles. To get a specialty license you need to undergo a special training with an instructor. This course will cover the rules and regulations applicable to that vehicle. You must also pass a written and driving test in order to obtain the permit.
Requirements
There are several ways to obtain an German driver's license. Based on the country from which your license was issued, you may be capable of converting it into one that is a German one without taking an exam in the form of a theory or practical test. However, you should be aware that you must be able to pass an eye test that is current and have taken an initial aid course (Erste Hilfe) before doing this. The option of taking a driving class (Fahrschule) in Germany is also an option. These are generally offered through the car rental company. But be aware that your lessons will be in manual transmission vehicles and you'll need to have at least 12 hours of theory prior to taking your test.
A driving license can be obtained in Germany by obtaining an international driver's licence (IDP). An IDP allows you to drive when you are in Germany. It will not replace a US or any other driving licence, so you'll still need them. You can obtain an IDP through your national auto club in the USA (AAA) or the German embassy.
It's best to use a Fahrschule with experience in working with foreigners if are looking to get a genuine German driver's license. For a small fee they will assist you through the process in getting a license and take you through the practice driving and written tests. They will also help you find a first-aid course, which is required in Germany.
It's not as straightforward as it appears to obtain a German driving licence. The test is difficult, and you'll have to pass it to get your license. The test takes about 45 minutes. The examiner will inform you right following the test whether or not you passed. If Express Deutsche Kartes fail the test, your instructor will likely insist that you take further lessons before you attempt the test again.
There are a lot of other requirements that you'll need to be able to meet to obtain an driving licence in Germany. For instance, you'll have to present your passport and a valid form of identification when applying for your driving license. You'll also need to pass a medical exam and submit a finger print.
Documents
For expats in Germany having a German driving licence, also known as Fuhrerschein, Fuhrerschein is an important step. Whether you need to make an appointment with the local driving licence authority (Fuhrerscheinstelle), or simply visit the office in person, it is important to have all of the right documents ready. Along with your current driver's license, you will need a recent passport photo along with proof of insurance and an eye test.
It is recommended that, despite the fact that the EU will accept foreign driving licenses, you get the German driving license to ensure you are able legally drive in Germany. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal, and it is recommended that you complete this process before your current license expires.
The process to obtain a German license differs by federal state, so it is important to consult your local Fuhrerscheinstelle before scheduling an appointment. The office, which can be part of the city's citizen's office or county courthouses, will review your documents and determine if you're eligible to begin the process.
Once you've been deemed approved, the office will schedule an exam with a driving instructor. The examiner will take the practical driving test and you'll need to pass both the written test and the driving test in order to be certified to drive in Germany. Then, you'll be issued a slip allowing you to drive in Germany while your German driving licence is being processed, which can take up to four weeks.
You'll require a valid passport, or identity card and proof of insurance, an eye test and a photo to send to the Fuhrerscheinstelle. The process of obtaining your new German driving license may seem overwhelming, but it's actually quite straightforward. If you've fulfilled all the requirements, you'll receive the right to drive in Germany that's valid for 15 years.
Expats who move to Germany from another EU country or EEA state have full reciprocity. They are able to exchange their driving licence in exchange for a German license. You may have to translate your licence based on where you are from, but it is not always required.
Payment
It is crucial to change your license as soon as you can when you are an EU expat. This can be done at the local office for driving licenses that is usually located in your county or city. This office may be part of the citizen's service office, or at the county courthouse. The process is fast and simple if you are from a country with reciprocity with Germany. You may need to pass both a written test and driving test.
There are also non-EU citizens who can get a license in Germany without having to pass an exam for driving or theory. This includes citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the USA. You'll still have to go to an Fahrschule to learn how to drive. These courses can cost around a few thousand dollars. These courses will teach you how to drive a car in manual mode, which includes learning how to use the clutch and five-speed transmission.
A German driving license will not expire. If you acquire a Fuhrerschein, it will remain valid for 15 years. The license will also expire if and when you move to another EU country. You will need to renew it before it expires.
To get a driver's license from Germany, you must have a valid passport and at minimum 16 years old. You'll also require an official certificate of fitness and a vision examination. You also need to prove that you don't have any addiction or mental health issues.
There are a variety of ways to obtain the German driving license however the most well-known is to go to driving classes. It's not cheap however it is worth it. Driving lessons can help you learn about the German road rules and also how to drive safely. You will also learn the meaning behind different road signs and how to administer first aid in the event of an accident.